In the 19th century, women of modest means, such as governesses and shop clerks, tended to wear practical, respectable black dresses. Yet fashion journalists agreed that there was nothing as elegant and flattering as a black dress. Young, unmarried women were discouraged from wearing black, however, unless they were in mourning.

Object Number: 69.195.9

Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology
Seventh Avenue at 27 Street
New York City 10001-5992